For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21 NLT
Before I read this verse today, I had the thought: Wouldn't it be nice if I didn't have to step out of my comfort zone during this Christian walk? Wouldn't it be nice to get to stay comfortable? To not have to push the envelope or have those difficult conversations?
Enter 1 Peter 2. This Christian lifestyle isn't about me. If I want this walk to be easy, it's because I'm making it more about me than I am about leading people to Jesus. God doesn't care about us being comfortable when it trumps leading people to Him.
God calls us to do good, even if suffering is a part of the process. Jesus lived a perfect life that also had suffering as a part of it for God's purpose. If He is our example, to say I'll do God's will as long as I don't have to do anything that will make me uncomfortable is far from following the example of Jesus.
Suffering isn't necessarily physical. It's undergoing pain, hardship, or distress in any form. Jesus suffered for me.What if suffering is staying at that job because I'm the only light there? Shouldn't I be willing to suffer for Him? Shouldn't I be willing to endure ridicule or persecution for the one who endured for me? Shouldn't I have the uncomfortable conversations and maybe lose friends and influence if the end result points to Jesus?
Yes! The resounding answer to those questions is yes. But, am I willing?
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